This notice issued by the Jinfuhui, a Chinese secret society, informs all members that they were to gather at the specified date, time and street to assist in carrying the coffin. It also states that absentees would have to pay a fine of a dollar, and that no mercy would be shown. Such strict discipline was characteristic of the Chinese secret societies in Singapore, all of which had originated from the Tiandihui (Heaven and Earth Society). This was a local version of the secret society in China founded on the basis overthrowing the Qing dynasty and restoring the Ming. With increased Chinese migration to Singapore, the society became a form of mutual-aid and support. Various splinter groups (hui or kongsi) subsequently emerged among the main dialect groups.
